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Drug


triazolam
generic



Generic Name:triazolam
Pronounced:trye AH zoe lam
Brand Name:Halcion

What is the most important information I should know about triazolam?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Triazolam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Take triazolam only when you are ready to get into bed.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking triazolam.
Do not stop taking triazolam suddenly if you have been taking it for several weeks. This may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with triazolam.

What is triazolam?
Triazolam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Triazolam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause insomnia or anxiety.
Triazolam is used to induce sleep and cause relaxation.
Triazolam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking triazolam?
Do not take triazolam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Triazolam may worsen this condition.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
  • have kidney disease;
  • have liver disease;
  • have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease; or
  • are depressed or have suicidal thoughts.
You may not be able to take triazolam, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Triazolam must not be taken during pregnancy. Triazolam is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it will cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take triazolam if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether triazolam passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from triazolam. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.
Triazolam is not approved for use by children younger than 18 years of age.

How should I take triazolam?

Take triazolam exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Take triazolam just before you go to bed. Triazolam will cause drowsiness which may lead to a loss of balance or a possible fall if it is taken too long before you are ready for sleep.
Do not take more triazolam than is prescribed for you.
Do not stop taking triazolam suddenly if you have been taking it for several weeks. This may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with triazolam.
Store triazolam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
Since triazolam is usually taken as needed, missing a dose should not cause problems.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a triazolam overdose include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking and talking, an appearance of being drunk, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking triazolam?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Triazolam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Take triazolam only when you are ready to get into bed.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking triazolam.
Triazolam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of triazolam?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking triazolam and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
  • sores in the mouth or throat;
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes;
  • a rash;
  • hallucinations or severe confusion; or
  • changes in vision.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take triazolam and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;
  • depression;
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
  • difficulty urinating;
  • vivid dreams;
  • headache;
  • dry mouth;
  • decreased sex drive; or
  • changes in behavior.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect triazolam?
Triazolam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with triazolam. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has additional information about triazolam written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?
Triazolam is available with a prescription under the brand name Halcion. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
  • Halcion 0.125 mg--white, elliptical tablets
  • Halcion 0.25 mg--powder-blue, elliptical, scored tablets
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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